TextNow: Free Calls & Texts on T-Mobile's Network
Wondering if TextNow's free calls and texts are right for you? We break it down.
Imagine getting free calls and texts, all powered by a unique cloud-based, ad-supported cellular service. That's exactly what TextNow offers. It's a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), which basically means they don't own their own cell towers.
Instead, they cleverly use T-Mobile's widespread network. So, you can connect even without Wi-Fi if you have their SIM card; otherwise, the TextNow app handles all your calls and texts right over Wi-Fi.
This sounds pretty amazing, right? But how can something this good actually be free? What are the real pros and cons? And, most importantly, is TextNow the right choice for your data needs?
This article will cover all your common questions, covering how TextNow works, its coverage, plans, add-ons, pros and cons and much more.
How Does TextNow Work
TextNow isn't your typical wireless carrier. It offers free calls and texts, which probably makes you wonder how it works—and how it's sustainable.
To use TextNow, you primarily interact with their app, available on both Apple and Google Play stores. While you can order a physical SIM card for 99¢, there are two ways to use the service:
1. Wi-Fi Only (App-Based):
You can make free calls and send texts over Wi-Fi using just the TextNow app, similar to how WhatsApp operates. No SIM card is needed for this functionality.
2. Free Wireless Service (with SIM Card):
To access TextNow's free wireless service for calls and texts without Wi-Fi, you'll need to purchase their SIM card. This is what differentiates TextNow from apps like WhatsApp, as it allows you to utilize T-Mobile's network for connectivity on the go.
The TextNow app isn't limited to just your phone; you can also make calls and send messages from tablets and computers.
Getting Started with TextNow
Here’s a breakdown of the signup process, particularly if you're opting for the SIM card to get free wireless service:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the TextNow official website and click "Get Started," then select "Get free wireless service."
- Purchase Your SIM Card: You'll be directed to a page where you can buy a SIM card for 99¢. Shipping is free and typically takes 3-5 business days.
- Check Device Compatibility: Before purchasing, ensure your device is compatible. Use their "Device Checker" page and enter your phone's IMEI number. Instructions for finding your IMEI are provided on the website.
- Consider a New Phone (Optional): If you need a new device, TextNow partners with Swappa, offering a selection of phones you can explore.
- Complete Your Purchase: Enter your shipping and billing information to finalize the SIM card purchase.
Once you receive your TextNow SIM card, follow these steps:
- Insert SIM Card: Place the new SIM card into your phone.
- Download App: Ensure you're connected to Wi-Fi and download the TextNow app.
- Create Account: Open the app and create your official TextNow account.
- Activate SIM: Tap the menu icon, select "Activate SIM Card," and follow the on-screen instructions tailored to your device.
TextNow's straightforward activation process is a definite advantage compared to some other wireless providers.
How Is TextNow Free?
According to TextNow, their service is funded by "unobtrusive ads." This means you won't encounter subscriptions, contracts, or recurring bills. The advertisements allow them to offer free talk and text wireless service.
TextNow Coverage
As mentioned, TextNow leverages T-Mobile's extensive network. You can view TextNow's coverage map directly on their website.
TextNow Coverage
TextNow provides coverage across most of the United States. Additionally, if you opt for a data plan, you'll also have free roaming in Canada and Mexico.
TextNow Plans and Add-ons: What About Data?
While TextNow offers free texting and calling, high-speed data requires a purchase. In late 2023, TextNow streamlined its data offerings, introducing two Unlimited Data plans:
- Hourly and Daily Passes: These options offer flexible, short-term data access for when you need it most. For example, you can get a 60-minute pass with 300MB of high-speed data or a 24-hour pass with 2GB of high-speed data. After the high-speed allowance is used, data speeds are reduced.
- Monthly Pass: This is their most comprehensive data option, providing 10GB of high-speed data for a full month. After 10GB, data speeds are reduced. This plan also includes free roaming in Canada and Mexico.
TextNow Data & Add-Ons
Data Plans: What You Need to Know
TextNow keeps its data options pretty straightforward: you can grab either a Day Pass or a Month Pass, and both come with unlimited data. That offers a lot of flexibility, which is great! But, and this is a big but, you'll definitely want to take a close look at TextNow's Unlimited 2G Data Fair Use Policy.
It's super important because it clearly spells out things like data throttling—that's when your speeds get slowed down—and even possible account suspensions if you go over their fair use limits. We'll dig into the pros and cons of these data plans much deeper in a later section.
Enhance Your Experience with TextNow Add-Ons
Beyond the free TextNow app, you can customize your experience with several paid add-ons:
- Ad-Free Lite ($1.99/month): Reduces most ads, leaving only the main banner at the bottom and occasional in-line ads.
- Ad-Free+ ($9.99/month): Enjoy a completely ad-free experience across the entire app.
- Premium Numbers ($4.99/year): Select a memorable and easy-to-recall phone number, an excellent option for businesses or personal preference. This number remains yours as long as you maintain the service.
- Lock-In Number: Secure your TextNow number indefinitely, ensuring you can always receive important verification codes on your app.
International Calling & Texting
Making calls and sending texts within the US and Canada is always free. For international calls and texts, charges apply per minute based on the destination country or region.
You can pay for international calls and texts using TextNow credits. You can earn these credits for free by watching ads or inviting friends to use the app. If you don't have enough credits, regular charges will apply. Just make sure your account has enough balance so your international calls don't get cut off.
For a complete list of International Calling Rates, please visit here.
TextNow Pros and Cons
TextNow's biggest draw is, of course, its free calls and texts. But what are its other advantages and disadvantages? Let's break them down.
Pros:
- Free Calling and Texting
- Control Over Data
- User-Friendly Experience
- Widespread Coverage
Free Calling and Texting
You simply can't beat TextNow's free calling and texting—it's a HUGE plus. If you're someone who's usually at "home base" with Wi-Fi, TextNow can help you save on your monthly phone bill.
Since you won't have to pay for texting, calling, or even data and connected to Wi-Fi most of the time, having access to free communication pretty much anywhere in the country is a definite win these days.
Control Over Data
As we touched on earlier, if you're mostly connected to Wi-Fi and only plan to head out a few times a month where you'll know you need data, TextNow's "Day Pass" data plans are a really neat option for that kind of user. And if you're taking a trip for a few weeks, their "Monthly Pass" would be a solid choice too. It gives you a lot of control over when you pay for data.
User-Friendly Experience
Getting signed up and grabbing a SIM card from TextNow is surprisingly easy. They really make sure every step is clear, with all the important info displayed right on their website and in the app. While they could probably do a better job showing off their cool "add-ons" on the website, the main focus is clearly on the official app, which makes sense.
Widespread Coverage
Since TextNow uses T-Mobile's extensive network—one of the "big three" wireless networks—it means you're essentially getting access to broad coverage for free! Folks who don't use a ton of data will definitely appreciate getting T-Mobile's coverage whenever they make calls, send texts, or decide to grab a data pack for a day or month.
Cons:
- Ads
- Limited Data Options
- No Video Calling
- Throttled Data Speeds
Ads
Okay, this one might seem obvious, but we had to put the fact that TextNow uses ads in the cons column. Honestly, it almost feels like it needs its own "middle ground" category. Yes, you'll see ads, and yes, they can be a bit annoying.
But remember, those ads are exactly why you get free calling and texting. So, it really comes down to whether you can handle the ads popping up in the app.
Limited Data Options
TextNow only has two data options, and this can be a good thing for some people, but a real bummer for others. If you were hoping for a smaller amount of data, say 2GBs or 10GBs for the month, unfortunately, you can't pay less or more for that specific amount. These limited choices can sometimes put you in a tough spot, especially if you only need data for, say, a week, but end up having to pay close to $35 when the whole month is only $39.99.
No Video Calling
As of June 2022, TextNow no longer supports video calling, and there's no word on whether they plan to bring it back. This can be a real drawback if you prefer video calls over phone calls, which a lot of people do these days.
Throttled Data Speeds
Just like with most MVNOs, you'll probably experience your fair share of data deprioritization and throttled speeds. Data deprioritization means that1 in high-traffic areas, like a busy sports stadium or a concert, your data speeds might temporarily slow down.
Meanwhile, the person right next to you who's directly signed up with T-Mobile will likely have much faster data. That's because the major wireless company prioritizes its direct customers and subscribers over those using an MVNO.
As for data throttling, which is an intentional slowing of data speeds, TextNow actually details out its rules and regulations in their "Unlimited 2G Data Fair Use Policy." As stated on their website, "
One limitation that may be placed on a user who has exceeded their monthly data allotment is that their data speed may be decreased to 2G speed." Again, we really recommend users read that policy before buying data, as it could definitely affect your usage.
Is TextNow Right For You?
So, there you have it – a full rundown of how TextNow works, what it offers, and what you can expect. It's truly a unique service that brings the power of free calls and texts right to your fingertips, whether you're on Wi-Fi or using their SIM card on T-Mobile's network.
While it has its own set of pros and cons, like ads and specific data options, TextNow can be a great way to cut down on phone expenses. If you need an affordable and flexible way to stay connected, especially if you're often on Wi-Fi, TextNow is definitely worth a closer look.
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